04-2685. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to request an informal review of veterans' denied healthcare benefits claims.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 9, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193B1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0600” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ann Bickoff at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Regulation for Reconsideration of Denied Claims.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0600.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The purpose of this data collection is to provide a vehicle to request an informal review of veterans whose healthcare benefit claims were denied. Veterans who disagree with the initial decision denying their claim in whole or in part may obtain reconsideration by submitting a request in writing within one year of the date of the initial decision. The request must state why the decision is in error and include any new and relevant information not previously considered. This process reduces both formal appeals and allows decision making to be more responsive to veterans using the VA healthcare system.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 50,826 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 101,652.

Dated: January 26, 2004.

By direction of the Secretary:

Jacqueline Parks,

IT Specialist, Records Management Service.